NEFF stalls on internal elections

The Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) is dragging its feet over a promise to hold internal elections, having not had any leadership changes since its establishment in 2014.According to NEFF’s constitution, the political party is expected to have a people’s assembly every five years, however, this did not happen in 2019.In June, second-in-command and national coordinator, commissar Kalimbo Iipumbu, told Namibian Sun that the assembly could not take place due to regional structures that were not properly formulated.At the time, he indicated that the assembly would take place later this year.When contacted for comment this week, NEFF president Epafras Mukwiilongo could not say when they would hold their first people’s assembly, adding that he still has to engage the party’s leadership.“I don’t take decisions alone. We will inform you,” he briefly said.Following the 2019 national elections, NEFF earned two seats in parliament.‘Autocratic party’NEFF recruited Forex traders Michael Amushelelo and Gregory Cloete, appointing them as commissars for economic development and planning and mobilisation respectively, a decision some criticised as a sign of disrespect towards long-serving party members.“This is becoming an autocratic party as founding members are being sidelined and we see people joining the party today and tomorrow they are already given senior positions. How fair is that to the loyal members who have been there since day one?” a founding member of the party remarked in June.At the time, Kalimbo said: “The issue of the two commissars who were tasked to head certain portfolios – it’s not like they were put there on an autocratic part of doing things, but to act. They are acting in those positions until the people’s assembly is called”.Public scrutinyPolitical commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah yesterday said it is high time the media question and scrutinise the dealings of opposition parties, adding that the Swapo Party has been making headlines for its internal processes.The NEFF needs to walk the talk and embrace what is outlined in its constitution, he said.According to Kamwanyah, the party has over the years been a staunch critic of Swapo and government, but it appears they do not follow their constitution, something the party must address in order for the electorate to see that they are a democratic party that respects the rule of law.“It is important for the new political parties, including the NEFF... [to] be put to scrutiny. They must get their house in order,” he said.kenya@namibiansun.com

NEFF stalls on internal elections

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-15

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NEFF stalls on internal elections

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-15

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